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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Hyperconjugation?

Definition 15.10 University Chemistry — Year 2 · Chapter 15 — Fragment Orbitals and Polyatomic Molecules

Hyperconjugation is the interaction of a filled σ\sigma orbital of a C–H or C–C bond with a neighbouring empty or partly filled p or π∗\pi^* orbital parallel to it.

Hyperconjugation in a carbocation, schematic. A filled C–H bonding orbital on the neighbouring carbon, parallel to the empty p orbital, gives up part of its electron density to it; the filled level is stabilised as in any interaction of two levels of different energies.
Hyperconjugation in a carbocation, schematic. A filled C–H bonding orbital on the neighbouring carbon, parallel to the empty p orbital, gives up part of its electron density to it; the filled level is stabilised as in any interaction of two levels of different energies.
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